Mitsubishi MR platform

Mitsubishi MR platform
The rear suspension of the Mitsubishi i as seen in cutaway, showing the engine behind the rear seats and under the floor of the rear hatch storage area, just ahead of the rear axle.
Overview
Manufacturer	Mitsubishi Motors
Production	January 2006–present
Body and chassis
Class	Kei car
Vehicles	Mitsubishi i
Dimensions
Wheelbase	2,550–2,600 mm (100.4–102.4 in)

The Mitsubishi MR platform is an automobile platform first developed by Mitsubishi Motors in 2003 for their Mitsubishi i kei car. The name is derived from the Mid-engined, Rear-wheel drive ("MR") configuration, which locates the powertrain behind the rear seat and just ahead of the rear axle. This allows for a longer wheelbase and a consequently more spacious interior without compromising crash-worthiness or fuel economy.^[1]

The company has also used the platform in several of its concept cars, particularly those using alternative propulsion. The i-Concept^[2] and Se-Ro^[3] were the first publicly exhibited vehicles to use the MR platform, as they previewed the production version of the i at motor shows in advance of the car's release. Since then, the Concept-CT,^[4] i-MiEV,^[5] and i MiEV Sport^[6] battery electric concept cars all exploited the MR platform.

References

1. "Development of “i” Concept Test Car for 2003 IAA and 2003 Tokyo Motor Show", Mitsubishi Motors Technical Review 2004 no.16, pp.29-30
2. ""i" Concept Test Car", Mitsubishi Motors website
3. "Mitsubish Sero concept for the Tokyo Motor Show", Car Design News, October 16, 2003
4. "Mitsubishi Motors Lineup at 2006 North American International Auto Show", Mitsubishi Motors press release, January 10, 2006
5. "Mitsubishi Motors builds new research EV, "i MiEV" for joint research with power companies", Mitsubishi Motors press release, October 11, 2006
6. "Mitsubishi Motors lineup at the 40th Tokyo Motor Show", Mitsubishi Motors press release, September 7, 2007